How to remove salt stains from leather boots and shoes

January 25, 2017

If you live in snow country and have ever left your house in winter, this has probably happened to you.

It’s winter. It’s slushy and slippery and there’s salt everywhere: On the street, on the sidewalk, on your door mat, and on your boots.

I’m talking about that crusty, white halo around the base of your boots and shoes.

It’s best to wipe your boots or shoes off as soon as you can to remove most of the salt right away.

Letting salt stay on your leather may lead to permanent discoloration and scarring. 

Clean any remaining salt off as soon as you notice that telltale white halo. It’s pretty simple.

All you need to clean the salt off of your leather boots and shoes is:

• warm water
• white vinegar
• natural bristle brush
• clean towel

Best Practice!
Never submerge leather. Always bring water to boot or shoes with a brush or cloth.

The cleaning process is just five easy steps:

1. Mix up a mild solution of white vinegar and water in a separate container: We use 1-2 TBSP vinegar for every cup of water.
2. Over a sink or large plastic tub, use a natural bristle brush to bring the vinegar and water solution up to your boot/shoe and scrub gently.
3. Once you have gently scrubbed your entire boot/shoe with the vinegar and water solution, you will need to rinse it with clean water. Again, use your brush to bring the water up to the boot/shoe.

Do make sure to get the entire exterior of the boot/shoe wet so that you don’t end up with water marks once your boots/shoes are dry.

Don’t hold your boot/shoe under the running water or dunk it in the sink.

4. Gently pat your boot/shoe dry with a clean towel.
5. Leave your boot/shoe to dry fully – away from any direct heat sources.

Repeat with your other boot or shoe. See also Make Your Boots Last Forever

Once your boots/shoes are clean and dry apply a coat of MooBuzz® All-Natural Leather Protection to replenish moisture, restore suppleness, and protect against water and salt.

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